Essential oils can have amazing therapeutic benefits for our minds and bodies. But are essential oils good for hair loss? And does using essential oils for hair growth really work? Let’s take a look.
How to Use Essential Oils for Hair
When using pure essential oils for hair, always dilute a few drops in a carrier oil or another base before putting them on your head to avoid irritation. And don’t forget to patch test first!
Pick the carrier oil that’s best for your hair’s needs from the list below:
- Oily hair: try a lighter carrier oil, such as sweet almond or apricot kernel.
- Dry hair: opt for something nourishing, like coconut or avocado oil.
- Normal/combination hair: Avocado oil is great for all hair types
What Are the Best Essential Oils for Hair Growth
There are several essential oils for hair regrowth that work like a charm — so take note!
Hair Growth Oil 1. Rosemary Oil
Rosemary oil for hair growth works to dilate blood vessels and improve cellular regeneration, delivering nutrients and oxygen to hair follicles to help them grow. Using rosemary essential oil for your hair on a regular basis is a great natural alternative for supporting hair growth and strengthening hair strands.
How to use: Mix a few drops with coconut oil and massage into your scalp, leaving for 10 minutes; or add to your shampoo and conditioner.
Hair Growth Oil 2. Lavender Oil
Lavender’s sedative properties are relaxing, which is useful given that thinning hair can be associated with stress. But it also has antimicrobial properties that keep hair follicles clear of bacteria that could inhibit hair growth. It may also generate cell growth and other calming advantages.
How to use: Several times a week, mix a few drops with a carrier oil and massage directly onto the scalp, leave for at least 10 minutes, then shampoo out — or add a few drops to your regular shampoo.
Hair Growth Oil 3. Ylang Ylang Oil
Ylang ylang is great for dry scalps as it helps stimulate sebum production, which is important for hair growth as a lack of natural oils can cause hair to become dry, brittle and prone to breakage. It also strengthens hair follicles and has antiseptic properties.
How to use: Warm 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and mix in 5 drops of pure ylang ylang essential oil. Massage the warm mixture into your scalp, wrap with a warm towel and leave for half an hour before shampooing out.
Hair Growth Oil 4. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint is one for people with oily scalp issues. Its high levels of menthol (which give a cooling sensation on application) can dilate blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the area — good news for your hair, as blood carries nutrients and oxygen to the follicles, which can promote growth.
How to use: Make a refreshing hair mask by mixing a couple of drops with a carrier oil. Massage into your scalp, leave for 5 minutes then shampoo thoroughly.
Hair Growth Oil 5. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree is a powerful cleansing oil, packed with antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. It can help unclog hair follicles, doing away with excess oils, dead skin cells and product build-up, which can stunt hair growth.
How to use: Mix 10 drops in with your regular shampoo.
Hair Growth Oil 6. Clary Sage Oil
Clary sage contains linalyl acetate — the same phytochemical that makes lavender one of the most effective essential oils for hair growth. It may also regulate levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can play a role in hair loss.
How to use: Mix 3 drops of clary sage oil with your conditioner or 1 tablespoon of carrier oil, massage into scalp and leave on for 10 minutes before rinsing.
Hair Growth Oil 7. Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrass is a powerhouse in the fight against dandruff — which, left unchecked, can lead to hair loss. It also strengthens the hair shaft, stimulates growth and keeps hair clean thanks to its astringent properties.
How to use: Massage 3-5 drops into your scalp while in the shower and leave for 2 minutes. Rinse with cold water. Use daily to combat dandruff.
Hair Growth Oil 8. Bergamot Oil
Bergamot essential oil helps prevent bacteria growth, giving your hair a beautifully clean and healthy environment in which to grow. It may also help heal any existing wounds and infections on the scalp and reduce inflammation.
How to use: Add a few drops to your regular shampoo or mix with a carrier oil and massage into your scalp as an overnight treatment. Bergamot can increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun so avoid sun exposure for 12 hours after using it on your skin.
What Are the Best Essential Oils for Hair Loss
It’s perfectly normal to lose 50 to 100 strands of hair a day. But if you seem to be losing your locks at an alarming rate, try essential oils that address hair fall.
Hair Loss Oil 1. Cedarwood Oil
Cedarwood is touted as one of the great essential oils for hair loss reduction, as it can help tighten hair follicles and prevent more strands from falling. Cedarwood can also cleanse the scalp and boost circulation, assisting hair regrowth.
How to use: Mix 2-3 drops with a couple of teaspoons of carrier oil. Massage into your scalp, working the oil into the skin. Leave for 30 minutes before shampooing out.
Hair Loss Oil 2. Sweet Basil Oil
Sweet basil oil also increases blood circulation, helping to slow and reduce hair loss. It also boasts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties.
How to use: Blend 2-3 drops with a carrier oil and massage into the scalp two to three times a week. Can be used on dry or wet hair.
Hair Loss Oil 3. Orange Oil
Orange delivers a hit of vitamin C (great for growth) and strengthens your roots (which can help prevent further hair loss).
How to use: Add 5-6 drops of orange oil to your regular hair mask to treat minor hair fall issues.
Always read the label for directions.